PROVENANCE AT ITS BEST: A HISTORIAN’S COLLECTION OF AMERICAN WHISKEY

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One bottle of Willett 25 Years Old Black Wax, estimated at $15,000 – 20,000, and one bottle of Willett Family Estate 21 Years Old Gold Wax, estimated at $12,000 – 15,000.

Boston – Bonhams Skinner will offer a collection of rare American whiskey boasting exceptional provenance and carefully procured over the last 25 years during its Distinguished Distilleries: Rare Spirits sale from June 4 – 18. The collection hails from Dr. Paul S. Hirsch – an award-winning writer and historian – who developed an effective system for discovering vintage and rare bottles of whiskey and became a leading authority with a robust community around collecting outstanding spirits. The 47-bottles on offer, boasting labels from a number of important distilleries, exemplify Hirsch’s dedication to seeking out the best of the best.

While recovering from an accident in 2000 which left him an amputee, Paul stumbled across a bottle of Old Weller Original 107 Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey at a local liquor store. This discovery turned a quest for American whiskies into a passion that helped heal his body and recuperate his mind. Interested in figuring out how many more gems were hiding in plain sight, Paul utilized his skills as a historian to develop a system for finding these treasures. He posited that liquor stores in areas that had been prosperous in the decades following World War II, but which had sadly since faltered, began pulling their high-end American whiskies from shelves in the late 1960s to replace them with more popular spirits like vodka and blended Scotch.

While earning a PhD in history, Paul traveled to many historical archives around the US and wherever he went, he hunted dusty and modern bottles of bourbon and rye that had been taken off the shelves. He learned to recognize tax stamps, bottles, and the evolving labels buried in the back of shelves or in liquor store basements. Sometimes these efforts yielded a stash of post-war whiskies or more modern treasures. Paul combined his historical expertise and passion for American whiskey into a small business, Barrel Strength Consulting, and hosted tastings and classes throughout southern California. He also helped educate bar and restaurant employees about the history of American whiskies and sold bottles to collectors from Manhattan to Los Angeles.

“The hunt for American whiskies provided my second education in history and a primary education in generosity and hospitality. As a disabled American, my mobility was, and remains, limited, but finding wonderful bottles of whiskey enabled me to host tastings, dinner parties, and post-meal sipping sessions that sometimes ran until morning,” Paul reflected. “My wonderful friends came to my apartment and sampled hundreds of bottles with me. In the process, I learned that the hunt was just a small part of being a whiskey geek; the most lovely and indelible experiences were shared with the people that helped me heal and advance. Pouring the whiskey, I’d discovered, was my way of thanking my friends, of bringing us closer together, and of celebrating or mourning the peaks and troughs of life.”

The highlight of Hirsch’s collection and found using his system is an impressively aged Willett Family Estate 25 Years Old Bourbon with a black wax, estimated at $15,000 – 20,000. Known the world over for producing some of the finest Bourbon and Rye in Kentucky, Willett has remained a family owned and operated company since its inception in 1936. The bottle on offer is part of the Willett family’s Private Barrel Selection – the only label of its kind in existence – and stands as their flagship Bourbon, the longest aged of any product they’ve made in their almost 100-year history. This unique bottle was specifically selected and bottled for the California retailer, BevMo, and has been colloquially nicknamed “Chocolate Monster” for its rich, hedonistic style.

The sale will also feature another bottle from the Willett Family Estate – a 21 Years Old Bourbon with a gold wax, estimated at $12,000 – 15,000. This particular bottle of wheated Bourbon, selected and sold by California retailer K&L Wine Merchants, is widely believed in the collecting community to have come from the Stitzel-Weller distillery. While Willett has neither confirmed nor denied that, if it’s true, it is one of the last bottlings from the original Stitzel-Weller stocks.

“Working with people like Paul is one of the true joys of our profession. His vision, historical approach to collecting and genuine love of the product allowed him to find and drink whiskies that, put frankly, are simply no longer found in the marketplace,” commented Louis Krieger, Global Business Director for Bonhams Wine & Spirits. “Paul has opened the doors of his vault to the collecting community and it’s not an overstatement to say this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to acquire some of the rarest, and most highly sought after, bottles in the world.”

Additional highlights of the collection include:

• A bottle of Karuizawa 31 Years Old from 1981, estimated at $10,000 – 15,000.
• A bottle of W.L. Weller 12 Years Old Single Barrel, estimated at $3,000 – 5,000.
• A bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 20 Years Old, estimated at $3,000 – 4,000.
• A bottle of William Larue Weller from 2006, estimated at $3,000 – 4,000.

About The Bonhams Network

Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.

Recent important auctions and landmark single-owner collections, include the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Alain Delon: Sixty Years of Passion; Sir Roger Moore: The Personal Collection; Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included The Estate of Barbara Walters: American Icon; The Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; The Crown Auction: Props and Costumes and The Claude de Marteau Collection.

Top lots for 2023 include 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta, Sold at Quail Lodge, US for US$30,255,000. Tipu Sultan’s Bedchamber Sword (sold in London for £14m – a world record for both an Islamic and an Indian object); Paul Signac (1863-1935), Sisteron, 1902. Sold for US$8,580,000 (estimate US$4-6 million), and Claude Monet (1840-1926), La Seine près de Giverny, 1888. Sold for US$6,352,500 (estimate US$4-6m), both from the Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; A Gilt Copper Alloy figure of Virupaksha, Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery, Early 15th century. Sold for HK$37.9m (£4,060,326) in Hong Kong. Yoshitomo Nara (born 1959) Three Stars. Sold for HK$36,754,000 (£3,930,914), also in Hong Kong.

More information and highlights can be found here. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

THE FAMOUS GROUSE DEBUTS SHERRY CASK FINISH IN THE UK

London, 28^th May: The Famous Grouse has unveiled a new permanent edition to its portfolio, The Famous Grouse Sherry Cask Finish – now available in the UK. The new premium expression is a rich, flavourful blend with unmistakable sweetness earned from a period of maturation in ex-sherry casks.

Launching first exclusively at Morrisons from May, it will then be available in other major retailers from September with an RRP of £22.00.

The Famous Grouse Master Blender has meticulously selected Speyside malts for a second maturation period in sherry-seasoned European oak casks to deliver the rich, warming, and spiced characters that are at the heart of the new premium expression.

Marc Watson, The Famous Grouse Master Blender says: “This new, revived blend is finished in sherry casks seasoned in the region of Jerez, Spain. The aim was to create a blend that is slightly sweeter but still in keeping with the smooth and distinct DNA of classic Grouse. 

Once the blend is in its final stages of maturation, which involves the meticulous combination of hand-selected malt and grain whiskies, The Famous Grouse Master Blender does not stop there; the full blend is married in ex-sherry casks further to enhance their sweet, rich, and smooth characters. The Sherry Cask Finish is a decadent blend of flavours, including chocolate, almonds, dried fruits, and sweet spices.” 

A sweeter balance and smooth in texture, The Famous Grouse Sherry Cask Finish has been created with mixability in mind and the UK release aptly follows the launch of The Famous Grouse’s ‘Full of Character’ global campaign. Designed to introduce the drink to the next generation of whisky drinkers, the campaign also aimed to educate consumers on the accessibility and mixability of the liquid.

The Famous Grouse Sherry Cask Finish comes at a time when demand for sherry cask whiskies continues to grow*. Launching just in time for the summer, ‘The Sherry Cask Spritz’ is the ideal seasonal serve – combine 50ml of The Famous Grouse Sherry Cask Finish with 20ml of lemon juice and 20ml of Madagascan vanilla syrup, top with sparkling wine and ice.

“We are finding that consumers are actively expanding their blended whisky repertoire,” says Joakim Leijon, Global Brand Director for The Famous Grouse. “The Famous Grouse continues to go from strength to strength by maintaining its position as the UK’s No1 whisky and no.2 Spirit brand**. We are therefore perfectly positioned to drive further growth in the category through innovation and range development. The new Sherry Cask Finish will enable loyal consumers to expand their repertoire as well as introduce first time whisky drinkers to The Famous Grouse brand.”

The packaging of the Sherry Cask Finish plays host to the Spanish female Capercaillie. The Spanish Capercaillie was chosen for its link to the product’s Spanish sherry heritage and its vivid orange and red plumage, which echoes the deep amber of the liquid itself. Alongside the ongoing support for RSPB Scotland, The Famous Grouse plans to support further habitat protection projects focusing specifically on the Capercaillie.

*Source: IWSR| Total Scotch Whisky Value sales & Whisky “Sherry title” | 2020-2023|

**Source: Nielsen, Latest 52 weeks MAT – w/e 16.03.24

The Famous Grouse Sherry Cask Finish Tasting Notes 

• COLOUR: Dark red-gold with an amber glow.
• NOSE: A balance of fresh orange and poached pear, cherry blossom, moist sultanas, cocoa beans intermingled with sweet cinnamon and ginger spice.
• TASTE: Smooth in texture, rich in character. A combination of oaky vanilla, dark chocolate, maple syrup, toasted almonds and hazelnuts.
• FINISH: Rich and smooth. Warming notes of dried fruits in Christmas cake with a long sweet, spice finish. 

The Famous Grouse 

The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in the UK (*Neilsen UK, 2024). It has been the best-selling whisky in Scotland, the home of Scotch whisky, since 1980. The business was founded by Matthew Gloag, who started blending whisky in the 1890s and was launched officially in 1897 to be drunk by the gentry after a day of outdoor pursuits. Today, the brand is owned by the Edrington Group and is exported to over 100 countries.

The Famous Grouse has supported the RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, for over 15 years. The partnership was established to improve habitats for resident black grouse on four RSPB reserves in the UK following the species’ rapid decline between 1995 and 2005.

www.thefamousgrouse.com/en

Edrington UK

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing, and distribution of a portfolio of ultra-premium brands, including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal.

As a valued distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits.

Be responsible. Drink with moderation

BeDrinkAware.co.uk

SAZERAC COMPANY AWARDED 67 MEDALS AT 2024 SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

Among the top honors is W.L. Weller 12 Year, which won its third consecutive Double Gold in turn earning a prestigious Platinum medal

 LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 13, 2024) – The Sazerac Company is honored to have been awarded a total of 67 awards across spirits categories in the prestigious 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). Top honors include 22 Double Gold medals – including the third consecutive Double Gold for W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon, in turn earning the expression a Platinum medal – as well as 12 Gold, 30 Silver and two Bronze medals.

Sazerac brands receiving prestigious accolades include 1792, Eagle Rare, William Larue Weller, Paul Masson, George T. Stagg, A. Smith Bowman, and more. Traveller Whiskey, Buffalo Trace Distillery’s newest whiskey innovation created in collaboration with Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician Chris Stapleton, was honored with its first award: a silver medal.

The competition, held April 5-7, is the oldest and largest competition of its kind. Founded in 2000, the SFWSC is one of many competitions hosted by The Tasting Alliance, a group of hundreds of judges evaluating the world’s best wine, beer and spirits.

“We are honored and humbled to have received dozens of medals across spirits categories from this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition,” said Jake Wenz, President and CEO at Sazerac. “These awards are a testament to our incredible team, whose dedication to premiere distilling and aging across Sazerac’s vast portfolio allows us to produce the finest spirits for our fans around the world.”

Sazerac brands awarded Double Gold and Gold medals at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition include:

Double Gold

• 1792 Bottled in Bond
• 1792 Full Proof
• 1792 Single Barrel
• 1792 Small Batch
• 1792 Sweet Wheat
• A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength
• Benchmark Full Proof
• Benchmark Single Barrel
• Benchmark Small Batch
• Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Cream
• Eagle Rare Straight Bourbon
• E.H. Taylor Single Barrel
• E.H. Taylor Small Batch
• George T. Stagg Straight Bourbon
• Mister Sam Canadian Whisky
• Rich & Rare Reserve
• Seagram’s VO
• Stagg Straight Bourbon
• W. L. Weller 12 Year
• W. L. Weller Full Proof
• William Larue Weller

Gold

• 1792 Aged 12 Years
• Benchmark Bonded
• Benchmark Top Floor
• Booth’s Finest Old Gin Sherry Cask
• Buffalo Trace Distillery Straight Bourbon
• Chestnut Farms Bottled in Bond
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Straight Bourbon
• Imperial 12 Year Old Blended Scotch
• Legacy Canadian Whisky
• Royal Canadian Small Batch
• Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey
• W. L. Weller Single Barrel

For complete results from the SFWSC, visit thetastingalliance.com.

About Sazerac:

With over 400 years of history, Sazerac is one of the world’s largest distilled spirits companies. Now in the fourth generation of the current family ownership, Sazerac strives each day to bring the finest spirits to consumers around the world.

Over 500 of the world’s most extraordinary brands are part of the Sazerac portfolio, including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Weller, The Last Drop Distillers, Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, Southern Comfort, Wheatley Vodka, Meyers’s Rum, White X Cognac, Sazerac de Forge Cognac, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, and many more.

Sazerac is also the steward of many fine distilleries internationally, including Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, United States; Domaine Sazerac de Segonzac in Cognac, France; Paul John Distillery in Goa, India; and Lough Gill Distillery in County Sligo, Ireland. Additional impressive locations can be found in New Orleans, Montréal, London, Cork and Sydney, to name a few.

To learn more, visit www.sazerac.com.

Wick Seafarers Memorial Group Receives Support From New Wolfburn Whisky

Willie Watt MBE with a bottle of the memorial Wolfburn release.

To raise much-needed funds for the Seafarers Memorial in Wick, Wolfburn Distillery has unveiled a charity bottling, with proceeds being donated towards the maintenance and upkeep of this historical Wick landmark.

‘The memorial team are overwhelmed by the generosity of the team at Wolfburn, whose financial support will ensure that the monument will be properly maintained and looked after for years to come,’ said Memorial Group Chairman Willie Watt. ‘The fact that we reached so far back in history to commemorate the 1848 Black Saturday tragedy makes the release of this local limited-edition bottle of whisky all the more important, poignant and special. Our community was made strong through the exploits and hard work of these early fishermen and it is fitting to enjoy a fine dram in their memory. We will remember them!’

Crafted from peated spirit matured for over seven years in hand-selected oak barrels, the packaging features imagery from Robert Anderson’s painting, ‘Wick’s Black Saturday’. And the whisky inside the bottle has equally historical connotations, being made in just the same way it was back in the 1840s. ‘As a proud Pulteneytowner I am delighted that Wolfburn has been able to assist the community in this way,’ commented distillery administrator Jennifer Nicolson. ‘It’s been a lovely project to be involved with, and the reaction of the local folk has been just brilliant.’

ABOUT WOLFBURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821.  In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year.  Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until around 1870.  The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by 1877 the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in 2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland.  Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky.  Wolfburn’s single malt scotch whiskies are now available in over 40 countries globally.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Spring 2024 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May, 2024) – Today Heaven Hill Distillery announced the release of the Spring 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 10 years old. Comprised of barrels produced in Spring 2014, the thirteenth national release ushers in the latest edition to the decanter series which adds to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the Spring edition is denoted by a green label. As was the case for the past editions, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond spring edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. This edition is available at the suggested retail price of $139.99.

The Spring 2023 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bares a bright copper color, with a nose of butterscotch and toasted oak along with dried roses and floral notes. The taste is subtle on the palate with honey sweetness and notes of aromatic herbs and green tea. Its finish is rich and herbal with notes of cardamom and nutmeg followed by hints of white pepper and oak char at the end.

“Heaven Hill’s stewardship of the Old Fitzgerald brand over the past quarter century has honored the legacy of John E. Fitzgerald,” said Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “The Spring release showcases the premium quality and craftsmanship of Old Fitzgerald which has been cherished by fans, not just for decades, but for generations.”

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium product within this special class which showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald, whose legacy is also heralded by the Larceny Bourbon brand.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over two million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. In back-to back years, Heaven Hill Distillery was named Magazine Icons of Whisky Global Distiller of the Year for 2024 and 2023. Heaven Hill Distillery also holds the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES WELLER MILLENNIUM: AN ULTRA-AGED EXPRESSION

 The World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery pays tribute to its own turn-of-the-millennium transformation with its latest luxury innovation 

FRANKFORT, KY (May 16, 2024) — Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to announce Weller Millennium, a first-of-its-kind, ultra-aged whiskey from the Original Wheated Bourbon brand. This category-redefining innovation is comprised of a blend of vintage straight wheated bourbon and wheat whiskeys that were distilled near the turn of the millennium and matured at Buffalo Trace Distillery for various lengths of time.

As the third oldest operating distillery in the world, with roots dating back to 1773, Buffalo Trace Distillery (as it’s known today) has been honing its craft since Kentucky was a wild, untamed frontier and the United States was just an idea. In the centuries that followed, the site changed hands numerous times, but one thing always remained constant: it was a homeplace for the creation of authentic American whiskey.

At the turn of the millennium, the Distillery was amid a period of transformation once again and looked to its forebearers for inspiration. As a trailblazer in the industry, the distillation team chose to pay homage to W.L. Weller by setting aside some of the first whiskeys distilled in the new millennium for the sole purpose of creating this extraordinary innovation.

“At Buffalo Trace Distillery, our motto is ‘Honor Tradition, Embrace Change,’ says Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “As we are in constant pursuit of making the world’s best whiskey, we often hold back small lots of barrels to continue aging beyond our typical brand standards in hope that this aging experimentation will result in a particularly well-balanced, matured whiskey. In this case, we found the whiskey distilled in 2000 to show incredible balance and asked ourselves how wheat would perform as an ultra-aged spirit. It’s proven to be an impeccable backbone to this expression, allowing us to showcase wheat’s versatility and innovate beyond traditional wheated bourbon.”

A blend of vintage straight bourbon and wheat whiskeys distilled in 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2006, Weller Millennium highlights the impact wheat has on the whiskey’s flavor: the softness imparted by the wheat creates a smoother, sweeter, more approachable expression. By marrying these exceptional spirits, the whiskeys further integrate and harmonize with each other, creating a cohesive, balanced final product that is greater than the sum of its parts.

“In the 1840s, William Larue Weller created a legendary legacy by being one of the first to use wheat as an ingredient, establishing Weller as the World’s Original Wheated Bourbon. Using wheat in place of rye in the mashbill brought outstanding approachability with complexity of flavor,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Today, wheated recipes comprise some of the most coveted whiskies in the world, of which Weller has earned global recognition as the most awarded brand from the World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery. Having patiently waited for these exceptional whiskies to mature to our standard, we are pleased to introduce Weller Millenium as the brand’s pinnacle expression. This world-class expression captures the spirit of the incredible optimism felt at the turn of millennium, while charting a path to the future as a globally-celebrated wheated brand.”

On the nose, Weller M boasts rich caramel and toffee notes, indicating prolonged interaction with oak barrels that lead into an oak woodiness, with layers of depth and complexity from years of maturation.  Subtle but distinct hints of dried fruits, such as figs or raisins, and a touch of stone fruit can be found lingering throughout.  Sweet notes of caramel persist on the palate finishing with a prominent oak influence, imparting a subtle dryness and a lingering sense of refinement.

In a presentation befitting the liquid inside, Weller Millennium is held in a 750ml handcrafted crystal decanter with a custom-made crystal topper hand-etched with W.L. Weller’s original “W” stamp of quality. An illuminated display envelopes the 99-proof bottling with exactly 99 bursts while sharing the percentages of each vintage spirit inside the bottle.

Weller Millenium will be released in limited quantities through United States and global distributor networks, which will ship to retailers, bars and restaurants as of June 2024 at a suggested retail price of $7,500 (750ml); taxes will vary by market. It joins the Weller portfolio including Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, Weller 12-Year-Old, Weller Full Proof, Weller C.Y.P.B. (“Craft Your Perfect Bourbon”) and Weller Single Barrel; Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat, from its experimental line; and William Larue Weller, which is released each fall as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

For more information, please visit HERE.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon Unveils Its Fifth Small Batch Release: The John Brown Release

LEXINGTON, KY — Kentucky Senator Bourbon announces the upcoming release of its fifth small batch of Kentucky straight Bourbon whiskey, titled after the illustrious Kentucky Senator John Brown, known for his pivotal role in bringing about Kentucky’s statehood. This fifth batch will be available this summer and completes the run of barrels that began with the six-year William DeBoe release, followed by the John Carlisle release (aged seven years) and John Sherman Cooper release (aged eight years).

The John Brown Release is highly anticipated for the exceptional quality of taste from its previous releases. Aged for nine years, this Bourbon boasts a robust 107 proof with a mash bill comprising 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley.

Approximately 1,200 bottles of this limited edition 2024 small batch Bourbon will be distributed, retailing for a suggested price of $149.99. Crafted in Kentucky, the Bourbon is meticulously distilled and aged before being bottled at Bluegrass Distillers Bluegrass in Lexington and distributed by Kentucky Eagle Wine & Spirits.

The John Brown Release will be available at select Kentucky retailers, with a single barrel private selection offered at all Liquor Barn stores. Additionally, this exclusive release can be purchased online at www.BourbonOutfitter.com.

In a special collaboration, a limited quantity of the John Brown Release will be offered at the renowned Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C. and its neighboring spirits shop, Premier Drams.

Andre Regard (left) and Damon Thayer (right)

Co-founder Andre Regard expressed his excitement, stating, “Damon and I are thrilled to continue our journey of sharing our passion for Kentucky’s native spirit. Our previous releases have been recognized with prestigious awards, and we are committed to delivering exceptional taste.”

Co-founder Damon Thayer added, “For our fifth release, we’ve maintained our signature mash bill while extending the aging process to nine years. Paired with the legacy of Senator John Brown, one of Kentucky’s most influential figures, this release promises a truly memorable taste.”

Each release of Kentucky Senator Bourbon is dedicated to a distinguished U.S. Senator from Kentucky. To discover more about why John Brown was chosen for this esteemed honor, visit the company website, www.KentuckySenatorBourbon.com.

Founded in 2019 by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, Kentucky Senator Bourbon is dedicated to offering the finest-tasting Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, blending exceptional taste with the rich history of the Bluegrass State.

The Kentucky Senator brand originated from Crigler and Crigler in northern Kentucky. The brand was later distilled and bottled by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown. Today, Kentucky Senator has been given a fresh look thanks to local co-founders Andre Regard and Damon Thayer. Both men possess a unique background in Bourbon that they bring to the management team of Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC.  More can be read about the management team in their online bios (https://www.kysenatorbourbon.com/).

AWARDS & RECOGNITION:

• Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s inaugural release, the Alben W. Barkley Release, was highlighted in Forbes Magazine.
• Noted Bourbon author, Fred Minnick, also honored Kentucky Senator’s first release in his ranking of the Top 100 Whiskeys of 2021. whiskeys-of-2021/
• Kentucky Senator also made the ranking for Minnick’s subsequent Top 100 Whiskeys of 2022 list.

Kentucky Senator Bourbon was recognized by the American Spirits Council of Tasters in 2022, receiving a Gold ASCOT Award for taste and a Double Platinum ASCOT Award for overall marketing and brand design.

BIG PEAT UNVEILS RUM CASK FINISHED ‘THE THROPAIGEACH EDITION’
TO CELEBRATE FÈIS ÌLE 2024

Award-winning Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Big Peat, today reveals his special bottling for Fèis Ìle 2024: Big Peat The Thropaigeach Edition.

Offered at an alcohol strength of 48% ABV, this Global Limited Edition has been finished in specially selected ex-Rum casks to produce a powerful tropical-themed release of our classic Big Peat.

A unique cask finish, fans of Big Peat can expect a profile that is dominated by peated malt on the nose, before offering a warming spice, leading into a viscous palate driven by flambéed banana and barbequed meats alongside a charred pineapple finish; a truly tropical release of Big Peat in celebration of the iconic Whisky Island of Islay.

This Limited Edition of Scotch Whisky has a unique, screen-printed design and has been selected as a bottle-only release. The design features Big Peat in pirate-form following the theme centred around the use of Caribbean Rum casks. Big Peat fans can expect a new style of the well-known character featured alongside all things tropical: palm trees, parrots, and swords! A distinctly different colourway leads this release, bringing a bright yellow capsule and design elements throughout.

In support of the launch, the team behind the iconic Islay Malt have partnered once again with artisan and aptly named pizza restaurant ‘Peatzeria’ in Bowmore, Islay, with Big Peat headlining a total of five tastings over the course of Fèis Ìle. Together they will host tasting sessions on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th May and Sunday 26th, where ticket holders will get the chance to taste the new festival release, alongside various Big Peat expressions and the opportunity to try truly unique Single Casks, paired with fresh local delicacies.

Details for all the events mentioned above, including information on the whisky, availability and pricing for these intimate tastings designed for the ultimate Islay Whisky fan, can be found on www.douglaslaing.com. These tastings offer the chance to try rare and exclusive editions of Bowmore, Caol Ila and even the ever-legendary Port Ellen.

Big Peat will also be joining the Islay Gaelic Centre, co-hosting a Big Peat Caribbean BBQ and Ceilidh on the evening of Sunday 26th May and a Quiz Night on Wednesday 29th, with all proceeds going to the centre.
Finally, Big Peat and his team at Douglas Laing & Co will feature at the Independent Bottler Festival on Tuesday 28th May, meaning there will be numerous opportunities to discuss all things Islay and Big Peat with the Douglas Laing & Co team.

Commenting on the special edition bottling, Chloe Wood, Big Peat’s Brand Manager, said:

“Big Peat fans have the chance to taste a new style of Big Peat in The Thropaigeach Edition. This is Big Peat but with an advanced fruity and citrus-driven tasting experience.
Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks, this additional maturation style adds an extra level of complexity to the already smoky-sweet spirit of Islay. Being a tropical-themed release of Big Peat, it feels apt to be releasing this at Fèis Ìle on the Island of Islay and the perfect time to try The Thropaigeach Edition. Ready to be released to all Fèis attendees, The Thropaigeach Edition is the perfect dram to enjoy across the festival celebrations and beyond!”.

Big Peat The Thropaigeach Edition will be available from specialist Whisky retailers in the UK, Europe and Asia, plus online retailers from May 2024. It carries a suggested retail price of £65.00/€75.00.

GreatDrams has launched the ultimate whisky to celebrate with ’The Summer of Sport’.

Why ‘The Summer of Sport’?

Inspiration has been taken from the success of other GreatDrams flavour and occasion-led releases “which is seeing our customers buying for occasions as well as great quality and taste” says Kirsty Dillon, GreatDrams co-founder.

The Summer of Sport is released to mark exactly that. Not only do we have the usual summer treats such as the Open Championship and Wimbledon, we also get to enjoy football’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, as well as the Olympic Games in Paris. There’s also heaps more besides!

When Greg and Kirsty, founders of GreatDrams, were looking at their release schedule “It just makes perfect sense,” said Greg Dillon, “sport is a big part of our lives, as is whisky so we put the two together.”

Kirsty continues “When selecting the casks we knew it had to be vibrant yet smooth and have the ability to stand up when made into cocktails – because who doesn’t love a summer cocktail?”

‘The Summer of Sport’ release is a 10 Year Old sherry cask matured blend with aromas of sticky dates, raisins and undertones of sweet sherry. Delve a little deeper with that first sip, and there are more sweet sherry notes, complimented beautifully by crisp orchard fruits, sweet Madagascan vanilla, and a hint of oak. The finish is smooth, mature, and full of character.

Product info 

GreatDrams
Brook House
Park Lane, Poynton
Stockport, Cheshire SK12 1RG
United Kingdom

Ferovinum announces £35 million funding package for The Borders Distillery Company Limited

Ferovinum and The Borders Distillery Company Limited have agreed a £35 million funding package to support the distillery for the next three years. 

The new arrangement will enable The Borders Distillery – the first to operate in the Scottish Borders since 1837 and recent winner of the World Whiskies Awards Best Scotch New Make award – to grow its business and develop its core strengths in advance of the eventual release of its Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

As a first-of-its-kind funding platform dedicated to unlocking growth for wine and spirits enterprises, Ferovinum will also provide The Borders Distillery with specialist operations and supply chain tools to support trading in the UK, Europe and the USA.

Commenting on the deal, The Borders Distillery Managing Director John Fordyce said: ‘We are delighted to have found a partner in Ferovinum and its excellent team. We share the same ambitions to grow, enthusiasm for the Scotch Whisky industry and commitment to deploy technology to facilitate growth in multiple markets.’

The Ferovinum platform delivers a more agile and efficient funding solution by holding assets during production, storage, distribution and fulfilment, giving companies end-to-end capabilities, funding the full production and distribution cycles.

Access to the platform also enables clients to benefit from seamless integration with freight, storage and fulfilment providers along with payments, licensing and commercial infrastructure to enable optimised trading and streamlined access to key export markets.

Gregor Mathieson, Director of Spirits at Ferovinum added: ‘We are very proud to be supporting The Borders Distillery during their next phase of growth. It is six years since the stills started running at their extraordinary site in Hawick, and the dedication to making great whisky as well as being a force for good in the Borders community is palpable amongst the whole team. Ferovinum was created to provide ambitious, visionary drinks businesses like this with the backing and specialist support they need to achieve their goals, and we are very excited to be partnering with John and the team for the journey ahead.’ 

The Borders Distillery was advised by Scottish corporate finance advisory boutique Noble & Co.

www.ferovinum.com

 Linkedin.com/ferovinum

www.thebordersdistillery.com

The Borders Distillery, Hawick, TD9 7AQ, Scottish Borders

About Ferovinum

Ferovinum’s technology brings together capital and distribution in a single platform built for and dedicated to the wine and spirits sector; providing capital efficient inventory management alongside trading and distribution tools that radically simplify the supply chain for brands and resellers.

The Platform allows businesses to access flexible capital when they need it, reducing their liquidity risk and reliance on payment terms, as well as protecting profitability should supply chain disruptions occur. Ferovinum clients can also take advantage of supply chain and sales inventory management tools to access automation and reduce the operational burden of getting their products into the hands of consumers.

For banks and financial institutions, Ferovinum’s technology provides a risk-managed and cost-efficient way to deploy capital into this traditionally hard-to-bank sector, where high levels of fragmentation have led to a historic lack of access to working capital. It uses structures adopted by investment banks in commodity markets to deploy a broad range of capital from credit funds, banks and other institutions.

The company was founded in 2018 by two wine and spirits enthusiasts: Mitchel Fowler, an experienced investment banker and commodity supply chain expert; and Daniel Gibney, who has years of experience in corporate finance, debt restructuring and hospitality. With bases in London, Scotland, Ireland and the USA, Ferovinum has a growing team of specialists across finance, technology, wine and spirits and law.

About The Borders Distillery

The Borders Distillery Company was founded in 2013 by George Tait, John Fordyce, Tim Carton and Tony Roberts. After raising £9.6m in equity funding a new distillery was built in an abandoned building in the centre of Hawick with the first nip distilled on 6^th March 2018.

The Borders Distillery employs and trains local people and aims to have all of its distillers fully qualified. It co- founded with Simpson Malt The Borders Growers & Distillers Group bringing together the distillery and sixteen Borders farms to source malted barley, manage co-products and actively promote the rural economy.

Today the Company employs 18 people and has recently launched its Workshop Series of Scotch Whiskies including Borders Malt & Rye, the first Scotch Whisky made in the Borders since 1837.